The next morning felt different at Aezrith Academy. The sky remained blue, the magical birds chirped as usual, and students strolled through the hallways with books in hand. Yet behind the smiles and leisurely steps, something had shifted.
A faint tension lingered in the air, like a thin string stretched between quiet laughter.
Kael sat in the dining hall with Irelith, Perona, Rose, and Leinhardt. They had just finished their breakfast—magic butter toast and warm vegetable soup.
> "Did you hear about the extra guards at the academy gate?" Perona asked softly, stirring her tea.
Leinhardt nodded. "I passed the main hall this morning. I saw two royal knights I recognized. They only show up when there's official business from the capital."
Irelith looked at Kael. "Do you think... it's connected to Windorn?"
Kael went quiet. He still remembered his conversation with Seraphine, and the growing unease that had clung to him since yesterday.
> "Probably," he finally said. "If they haven't made an official announcement, they're trying to keep it quiet. Maybe... to avoid panic."
Perona let out a breath. "This is starting to feel real. Before, it was just classes. Now it feels like we're preparing for something much bigger."
Leinhardt patted his chest casually. "Well, whatever it is, we still need to focus on the next exam. Lancer said it'll be a team battle, right? I should probably start training my combo moves again."
> "Just make sure you don't swing your sword at your teammates again," Rose teased with a grin.
> "That happened once!" Leinhardt protested, stuffing the last of his toast in his mouth.
Kael only smiled, but his mind had already drifted elsewhere.
---
Strategy Class – Noon
That day's Strategy and Combat Formation class was held in the Circular Hall. Professor Veynor, a former military general, was explaining the importance of formation and communication during team battles.
> "One small mistake... one late signal... can bring your entire team down. Battles aren't just about strength. It's about how you use it—together."
Kael sat in the third row, listening intently. Beside him, Irelith scribbled notes rapidly. Behind them, Leinhardt and Lancer exchanged glances—like two tigers waiting for their next duel.
Yuki, who sat next to Perona, leaned in and whispered, "Hey, if this really is a team battle, I hope we're in the same team. I don't want to end up with Taylor again. He's too bossy."
Taylor, overhearing, turned with a narrowed glare. "I heard that, Yuki."
> "That was the point," Yuki shot back.
Soft laughter rippled through the room.
Lancer added, "It's the same teams as the last exam, remember? They said the groups would stay the same until we move up a year."
Suddenly, the door swung open.
An academy staff member rushed in and whispered something to Professor Veynor. The professor's face stiffened for a moment, then he turned to face the class.
> "That's all for today. All students, return to your dormitories. There will be an important announcement tonight."
The room fell silent. It was rare for a class to be abruptly ended like this. Everyone looked around, wondering what was happening.
---
Boys' Dormitory – Dusk
Kael sat on his bed, staring at a magical bracelet given to him by his mother, resting quietly in a drawer. Part of him wanted to rush out and find answers. But another part knew—those answers would come soon enough.
A knock sounded at the door.
> "Kael," Leinhardt's voice called out. "Come to the back garden. Lancer and the others are there too. We need to talk."
---
Back Garden – Night
Under the darkening sky, Kael stood with Leinhardt, Lancer, Yuki, Taylor, and the rest of their class. There were no jokes. No casual chatter. Just seriousness in the air.
> "There's a rumor," Lancer said flatly, "that the Academy is activating the 'First Pillar' program. And that only happens when they're preparing... for actual conflict."
Yuki looked shocked. "Wait, First Pillar? Isn't that just a myth? The seniors used to say it was a program for choosing students to be the kingdom's front line."
> "It's not a myth," said Taylor. "My father mentioned it once. If it's really happening, then we'll all be monitored more closely. Not just in exams... but mentally as well." He paused. "We'd be sent to real warzones. The first time that program was used was thirty-five years ago, when our kingdom was invaded by demons."
Yuki clenched his fist. "So... a war really is coming."
Leinhardt nodded. "We don't know everything yet. But one thing's certain—the next exam... isn't just a test. It might be a selection. To see who's ready... and who isn't."
Perona clutched Irelith's arm. "If everything changes... will we still be together?"
Irelith looked to the sky. "If we trust each other... yes. We'll make it through."
Kael stepped into the center of the circle, looking at each of his friends one by one.
> "If this is the beginning of something bigger... then we have to grow stronger. Not just as individuals—but as friends."
They all nodded.
Lancer spoke, "I heard the senior class is being assembled tomorrow in the main field. They're being sent to the border."
Kael asked, "And us?"
> "We'll just line up... for now."
---
[End of Chapter – Windorn City, Midnight]
Atop the ruined watchpost of Windorn, the cloaked figure in purple stood again—now surrounded by six others dressed in similar robes. In their hands, unfamiliar magical symbols glowed dimly—and beneath their feet, the city burned.
> "Phase one complete," the leader said.
> "What's the next target?"
> "The place where they grow... Aezrith."
The sky rumbled softly. And with the moonlight behind them, the rebellion was no longer a rumor.
It was a threat.
And it was marching toward the heart of the kingdom.